2022 Runner Email #4
Hello runners!
I don't know if this week is when it struck you that we're basically three weeks out, but it's definitely when it hit me. It's hard to believe that we're so close! Hopefully your training has gone well, and the proverbial hay is in the barn. At this point, it's time to start turning your attention towards lining out the remaining logistics ahead of race day...and so that's the main focus of this email. Consider this more a tips/FAQ email, so it's more bullets and less paragraphs. I'll begin with the usual set of reminders, then go into some additional info to help you get things buttoned up. As always, please take the time to read through this email and let me know if you have any questions.
Usual reminders:
If you no longer plan on running, please let me know ASAP. With only three weeks to go, every day you give a waitlister to prep helps. Plus, at this point, if you're injured or undertrained, there's likely not enough time to fix things. I know it's a tough call, but if you do need to drop you can take solace in knowing that a waitlister is thrilled and grateful to have a shot.
Trail work deadline is 10 days away. If you're not going to get to physical trail work, send those opt out payments in. If you have a work day planned, have the trail work forms ready. Remember, you have to email me either a form or a donation receipt regardless.
The course is 100% open. There are some snowfields, but nothing that prevents safe and speedy travel. Get out while the going is good!
The Runner Guide is on the website. If you haven't read it, get to reading. These next three weeks usually mark when I start getting questions from runners who clearly haven't read the guide. My response to those questions is generally "take a look at the runner guide!"
Okay, now onto the new stuff. Remember, all of this is on the website and in the runner guide. This is repetitive, but it's based off of five years of seeing what many runners miss. If you've got everything below this on lockdown, then you're in great shape!
TAILWIND & MUIR ENERGY
Each aid station will have a supply of Muir gels. They are delicious and easy on the stomach, especially at altitude. There will be an assortment of all their flavors. Tailwind (mandarin orange) will be available at all aid stations.
VOLUNTEERING
While we're looking great in most areas, we still have some spots we could use a few extra hands. If you, your crew, or friends in the area are interested, you can sign up here!
Aid Station Prep on Wednesday and Thursday - great for runners and families - four more people needed for each day.
Friday pre-race parking - we give you a really cool lightsaber wand - one more person needed
Raspberry 2 - Saturday, two shifts - 3 people/shift needed. Also great for families!
DOGS
This isn't a good race for dogs, but it is a great opportunity for a doggy sleepover with a friend. I strongly encourage you to board your dogs. If you absolutely must bring them, please note the following rules. Note that these are rules...not suggestions.
No dogs in any aid station or within 100ft of aid stations or runners.
No dogs within 300ft of the finish line or finish line aid station. If you're within the food or drink area, it's a no go. Too many dog fights and owners who don't like leashes...
No dogs are allowed at Cottonwood or on the shuttles to Cottonwood.
Dogs must be on leash at all times
Dogs cannot be left unattended, especially not unattended in vehicles.
Please note that these rules pertain to crews, but volunteers are allowed to bring their well-behaved pets in some situations. Since this race doesn't happen without volunteers, we have these rules in place to protect their animals and allow them to do their work supporting runners.
REQUIRED GEAR
This shouldn't be news to anyone, but you have to carry the required gear during the race. There are two types of gear: base and divide. The base you carry for 100 miles. The divide gear you carry from Cottonwood to Monarch in addition to the base gear.
The most likely items you are missing are:
Whistle (note that the bivvy often has one built in)
Taped-seam (ie, waterproof) jacket. Here's a video about what a taped seam is.
Remember, pacers MUST have all the gear as well. Zero exceptions. It's your job to make sure that your pacers have the gear, so communicate it to them. Might even be worth buying some of the gear for them just to be safe. Your call.
Last year, three runners showed up to the start line without jackets. I'm as baffled as you.
CREWS AND CAR CHOICES
Remember, crews are limited to a single vehicle. You are given a crew pass with your bib. In order to park at an aid station, you must have a crew pass.
We do not recommend anything less than a medium clearance vehicle. Think a crossover SUV or a Subaru. While it is possible to get to all crew-accessible aid stations in a 2wd vehicle (like a typical sedan or minivan), that assumes perfect weather. We never have perfect weather. The Hancock road is especially bad this year. Another year or two, and it won't be accessible by a 2wd vehicle.
You're welcome to park vehicles at the start/finish line for the entire weekend. Great place to organize carpooling.
PACERS
Pacers must carry the required gear at all times.
Pacers must also have a pacer bib, which is given to them once their gear is checked and after they have signed the waiver.
Pacers can pick up their bib on Thursday at runner check in (their gear is checked at the aid station), or Hancock, Monarch, Blanks, and Raspberry 2.
Runners over the age of 60 can have a pacer from the start. Please notify me ahead of time.
You can have multiple pacers on the final 3.9 miles of the race. Specifically, from when runners exit the Colorado Trail onto CR 290. These pacers must still have pacer bibs and required gear. There is no parking there, so you'll need to drop folks off.
Once you are back in the finishing field, you can have anyone run in with you...so kids, grandparents, folks without gear, etc...they are all welcome!
AVENZA
I highly encourage you, your pacers, and your crews to have the Avenza app downloaded with our maps. Why?
It works in airplane mode and shows you exactly where you are
It shows crew driving routes and parking areas
It shows the camping and parking situation at the start/finish
It's free
OTHER THINGS TO BE READY FOR
Any filming or photography must be cleared through us first. Approved folks get a media pass and better access. No drone use regardless. Commercial uses must have a USFS permit in addition to race permission.
Make sure you bring your shoes to check-in for the toad bath
The pre-race meeting is required
Live tracking will be available. Info posted the week of the race.
Bring cash for the Cottonwood shuttles. $10/person and goes to CORE, a local non-profit.
Free (to everyone) beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages are available at the finish line. Make sure to come back, enjoy a beverage, and cheer in the runners!
Alrighty, that's all. I'll send one more email a few days before check-in notifying you of all those last minute details. If you have any questions, please reach out.
I'm looking forward to getting to meet you all in a few more weeks! I hope you're all stoked for 100 miles in the Sawatch.
Cheers,
--
Caleb